Tender process begins for new Western Sydney Airport rail project

A new rail line connecting to the future Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport is closer to becoming a reality as the tender process begins to find an operator for the new Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport project. 

The winning proponent will also undertake the delivery of new stations and trains. 

Scope of works for this major contract will include: 

• Building six new railway stations 
• Supplying brand new driverless trains 
• Building and operating the stabling and maintenance facility at Orchard Hills 
• Installing tracks, signalling, mechanical and electrical systems 
• Operating Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport, including all maintenance work 

The contract is anticipated to be awarded by the end of next year. 

Approximately 14,000 jobs are expected to be supported through this Sydney Metro project, including 250 apprentices. 

Project alignment (source: Sydney Metro)

The Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport project will deliver a 23-kilometre rail line that runs from St Marys to the new airport, linking residential areas to employment hubs such as the new Aerotropolis. The new rail line will also connect travellers to the rest of Sydney's public transport system from the upcoming Western Sydney Airport. 

This project will also deliver six new stations at the following locations: 

• St Marys, interchanging with the existing suburban railway station and connecting customers with the rest of Sydney's rail system 
• Orchard Hills, to service a future commercial and mixed-use precinct 
• Luddenham, to service a future education, innovation and commercial precinct 
• Two stations within the airport site – at the airport terminal and at the airport business park 
• The commercial heart of the Western Sydney Aerotropolis (the area proposed to be named Bradfield) 

Source: Sydney Metro (1, 2); Inside Construction